VICDOC Autumn 2025 - Magazine - Page 57
A M A PE E R S U P P O RT S ERV I C E
Q3 / HOW HAS THE WAY THE PEER SUPPORT
SERVICE WORKS EVOLVED OVER TIME?
-
Well, the way we take calls has changed.
In the beginning, there was a mobile phone
that had to be transported by courier
between volunteers. Now, it's all easily
done on your own phone. In the past if
you wanted to have a couple of hours off,
it was a bit complicated to transfer to
another volunteer. But now it's very easy
to communicate with others and to have
flexibility with your volunteer roster.
Q4 / HAVE YOU NOTICED CHANGES WITH
THE TYPES OF CALLS OR CALLERS TOO?
-
Anecdotally speaking, the things people
call about have changed. In the beginning
there were many general calls from people
in distress about a family situation or a
financial situation. But I've noticed recently,
more of the callers are overseas trained
doctors who are having difficult times
here in Australia, or trainees working in
hospitals, which seems to be an increasingly
challenging environment. Some callers have
received an Ahpra notification. Sometimes
people are feeling socially isolated; they
might not have families or partners that
can offer support.
Q5 / HOW IMPORTANT IS ANONYMITY
TO THE SUCCESS OF THE SERVICE?
-
I think doctors are very hesitant to ask for
help, and I think having this anonymous
service is invaluable; I'm sure they feel better
about calling knowing it's anonymous. If we
want to give them extra resources, then it's
up to the caller to offer their details so that
we can get back to them if we don't know
enough at the time. Or they can call back
at an agreed time. Some of the calls involve
bullying or unfair treatment, and the caller
can feel vulnerable. As a support person,
I prefer to be anonymous as well.
Q6 / WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR
MEMBERS CONSIDERING VOLUNTEERING?
-
I think it's a wonderful service to contribute
to. There's the benefit of helping doctors;
you can really make a difference to peers who
are struggling. I think the whole practice
of medicine and training in medicine is far
more complicated and challenging today
than it was when us older doctors went
through. So, there are plenty of things to help
with. Then there's the benefit of learning
skills that can benefit you personally. I’ve
found myself applying the training when
listening to my patients and in other aspects
of life, and you learn of many supportive
resources for doctors. You also meet peers
who are also volunteering, that you may not
have met before, and that really expands your
horizons too.
Click here to
read more about
AMA Peer Support
Service
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The Peer Support
Service is proudly
sponsored by
PSA Insurance.
VI CD O C AUTU M N 2025
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